Wonderful Study Abroad Experience in Ireland Past Review
By Katie M (Political Science, Tulane University) for
IFSA: Cork - University College Cork
After studying in Ireland, I will be writing my Honors Thesis on the Northern Ireland Conflict. I learned how to live, travel, and adapt in a totally new environment. I loved everyone I met and every place I visited.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Since it was the fall semester and Irish students take their exams in May, most of the classes were based on one grade--a Paper due at the end of the fall semester. There aren't really syllabuses, required reading, class attendance, or a participation grade. Therefore, the workload itself is smaller, as you only concentrate on one assignment, but the grading of those assignments was more harsh than at my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IFSA met us at the beginning with an orientation, they planned two trips-- an "adventure weekend" and a trip to northern ireland, both very fun experiences of things I probably wouldn't have done otherwise. They met with us throughout the semester, always including a free meal! Overall they were very helpful, and made my experience much less daunting. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
About a 15 minute walk to school, but a 45 minute walk to the city center and other students housing, caused many people not to do things at night since they didn't want to walk in the cold/rain. Needed to buy all things for the room, but none for the kitchen. The area was safe and on a busy road. |
| * Food: |
nearest grocery store is a 10-15 minute walk, however, there were two close convenience stores that had a pretty big selection. The market in the city-center is great, but a 45 minute walk from lodging. Irish food in general is a little plainer than we are used to in the US, but definitely edible. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
loved every trip in ireland i took! fun to explore the small southern cities around Cork such as Blarney, Kinsale, Waterford. MIddleton food and drink festival was a great find as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe anywhere in Ireland. However, one american student was mugged at night in a more quiet area of town (by the River, close to the movie theatre) |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program would be most beneficial to students who would like to study in English, but still want to be engrossed in a rich, interesting culture. I loved everything about Ireland and would recommend it to anyone. |
